The Boulder County 4-H Horse Judging Team secured a reserve state championship at the Colorado State 4-H Conference, earning the opportunity to represent Colorado at several national competitions throughout the year, including events in Oklahoma City, Columbus, and Tulsa. The team excelled by winning the performance division and placing second in halter, reasons, and overall categories. Team members Madison Guerrero, Rhiannon McDermid, Mattea McQueen, and Sophia Block stood out among over 25 competitors, with McQueen achieving top individual honors. The competition challenges youth to evaluate horse conformation and performance, develop critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills, and deliver oral defenses of their judging decisions.
The program has had a significant positive impact on participants, boosting their confidence, decision-making, and teamwork abilities. To support travel expenses for upcoming national contests, the team will host a benefit horse show in July at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, welcoming riders of all ages and levels. Coached by experienced mentor Kendra McConnell, the team also offers opportunities for new members to join and learn competitive horse judging, even without enrollment in the 4-H horse project. Interested individuals can find more information via the team’s Facebook page or by email.
